By David Minahan
We have all noticed people experiencing homelessness on our way to and from the law building. Yet, as far as I am aware, no law student society at Melbourne Law School (MLS) has ever organised an event or campaign to support them.
It’s time to change that.
I’m starting Law Students for the Homeless (LSH) — a new law student society dedicated to volunteering, fundraising, and advocating for those experiencing homelessness in Melbourne.
MLS is close to many shelters and organisations that do important work in this area. For example, Ozanam House is only a 20-minute walk away from MLS. LSH plans to work with, and volunteer for, many of these great organisations.
We also plan to organise fundraising or donation campaigns. Let’s face it. It’s hard not to notice the gap between MLS students and the reality faced by those living on the streets around us. We can give so much to these people. So why don’t we?
An image of a homeless women in a sleeping bag.[1]
If you’ve ever wanted to do more than walk past, please consider joining us. Follow us on Facebook for updates. If you have any questions, you can contact us at: lawstudentsforthehomeless@gmail.com.
“Those who shut their ears to the cry of the poor will themselves call out and not be answered.” — Proverbs 21:13.
[1] James Petty, ‘Homeless: Why making it a crime won’t fix the problem’, Pursuit (Blog Post, 23 January 2017) <https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/homeless-why-making-it-a-crime-won-t-fix-the-problem>.
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